A new pilot service which aims to tackle the mental health crisis facing children and young people was launched in Tranent on Monday.

Developed by Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC), The Haven well-being and resilience service is now open at The Fraser Centre and is available to families living within the catchment area of Ross High School.

It aims to support families with children struggling with their mental health, and to prevent problems escalating to the point where professional intervention is needed.

The Haven will be open to any child or young person with a mental health concern, and to any member of their family.

It will offer support in a relaxed and informal setting and provide interventions including family support groups, signposting, fun activities and a drop-in service for those who may just need a cup of tea and a listening ear.

The service is being piloted in Tranent following discussions between ECHC and councillor Kenny McLeod, ward member for the area. Mr McLeod worked with the charity to bring the service to Tranent.

He said: “I think this is a wonderful initiative for Tranent. Tranent is the ideal place for such a trial, with such a big catchment area and with schools like Ross High benefitting from it.”

Every family will have their own “pal”; a trained team member who can support them along their child’s mental health journey.

Roslyn Neely, CEO of ECHC, said: “When it comes to tackling the mental health crisis facing children and young people in Scotland, there is no time to wait.

“In developing this service, we spoke to many families who feel they just don’t know where to get the support and advice that they so desperately need. We asked them what was missing, and overwhelmingly we found families just needed somewhere to go for a bit of help while they’re waiting, or if they know professional help isn’t an option for them.

“The development of The Haven has been led completely by children, young people and families.

“What they asked for was a well-being service like that already provided at the children’s hospital. Somewhere the whole family can go and do everything from take part in fun activities, to having a complementary therapy or just a hot cup of tea and the chance to offload.

“Together we have an opportunity to help our children with earlier support for good mental health to improve their well- being and avert a potential mental health crisis.

“We hope The Haven will be part of the solution.”

The Haven will be piloted in Tranent for two years to ascertain demand and its success.

It is modelled on the charity’s existing hospital “Hub”, which delivers similar interventions to children and families visiting Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP).

Paul McLennan, MSP for East Lothian, said: “I’ve met the team on a number of occasions – this is a groundbreaking initiative and I look forward to working with them closely in the months ahead.”

Children and young people who live within the catchment area of Ross High School and/or are registered with Tranent Medical Practice, and who need support, can contact The Haven at thehaven@echcharity.org or call 0131 202 9212.